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About the New York Knicks
Last Year
The Knicks finished 2005-06 going 23-59, the first time they won less than 30 games since 1999 when the finished with 27 wins. Veteran guard Stephon Marbury, who missed 22 games on the season, led the team in scoring at 16.3 points a night. Eddy Curry shot 56.3 percent from the field, second in the NBA. He helped out with 13.6 points and 6.0 rebounds. The Knicks acquired three-time NBA All-Star Steve Francis at the trade deadline. As a Knick, he averaged 10.8 points and 3.5 assists in 24 games.
Summer League Prospectus
Isiah Thomas takes over the reigns for the Knicks, replacing Larry Brown, and selected Ronaldo Balkman and Mardy Collins in the first round of the NBA Draft. Balkman led South Carolina in rebounding (6.3 rpg), while averaging 9.6 points and 1.3 blocked shots, helping the Game****s to back-to-back NIT titles. His season total of 65 steals ranks as the fifth-best single season mark in school history. Collins, an All-Atlantic performer, averaged 16.8 ppg and 2.8 spg for Temple. They will join Knicks veterans Nate Robinson (9.3 ppg in 72 games), David Lee (5.1 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 67 games) and Channing Frye (12.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg in 65 games).

What I liked most about yesterday's win was that the team was able to click defensively after starting out a bit rusty. And I'd rather take a win any day over a loss even if it's playing in my backyard, jejejeje

Draftexpress.com has some nice analysis of each summer league game... check out the link:

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Nate seems much more confident and apparently has worked alot on his PG skills.

Channing seems recuperated from his knee injury and looks much stronger, so I'm hoping his post game starts to develop and his defense comes along.

Balkman seems like he'll earn serious minutes at the 3spot. I think only Nate is the other Knick who can match this guy's high voltage.

But the one Knick I'm more hyped over is David Lee... the kid has improved his shot dramatically, and his instinct for getting boards and loose balls is amazing. He shoots high percentage shots and knocks down his free throws. I'm certain he will eventually be regarded as the steal of last year's draft and dare I say will achieve superstar status.

IMO, we should forget about trading for a PF (unless its Wilcox and we ship Francis) and David Lee should be our starting PF although it looks like Isiah will give him more minutes at SF. I would start Frye at C, with Lee at PF and Balkman at the 3, with Francis and Marbs in the backcourt. Have Curry off the bench 1st when substituting upfront and Crawford 1st up in the back. Nate and Q should round out the 9man rotation.

In terms of other teams:

Next season's rookie of the year battle will be historic (whoever said this past draft didn't have superstars?)... Brandon Roy and Randy Foye will be All Stars in the not so distant future, and Adam Morrison will leave many jaws wide open!!!

Martell Webster will also be a star... that kid looks incredible running through screens and knocking down shots. Glen Rice, your game has been missed until now!!!

Bargnani can shoot big time a la Nowitzki... without a doubt he'll be a starter and opposing forwards will have a hard time defending this kid.

Now whythe hell isn't John Lucas on an NBA team? because he's short? shiiiit... apparently, this kid has learned a ton with his dad in those Houston clinics with the vets who are trying to regain some game (penny for example)... the Rockets need to look no further for their PG...

Holy crap, why the **** did Steve Novak have to wait till the second round to be picked? because he supposedly one-dimensional? This guy will eventually lead the NBA in 3point shooting and it'll be very soon. The Rockets will make life hard for the Mavs and Spurs next year.

LaMarcus Aldridge will one day be known as the bust of this draft... and Renaldo the steal, jejejeje

Ok Ok OK...the young Knicks showed hustle and development...just as we would want...I agree with the assessments that IT is going to have to sit some Vets to let the young kids play....
BUT...putting Balkman in the starting lineup...are you kidding?????
Come November Balkman will be lucky to see the court...I love the hustle and attitude...but please, let's not be crazy, he has a long way to go to be a real player.
Great work sophomore class...just play and keep quiet about last year...

Did somebody say Untouchable?

I’ve been saying all along that the Class of ’05 should remain intact. I hope Isiah feels the same way!
I am unable to get MCG, so I can’t see the summer league games, so I will have to rely on you guys. If the reports I am getting are true, I am very excited. I am especially happy that Frye is fully recovered. I am not surprised to hear Lee is playing well and Nate, also playing well is no surprise. Balkman’s high-voltage motor is good news. I wonder, though how does Collins look? Some say he looks good, but I need more.
When you win 23 games in a season, you should be ready to storm the court after a summer league win. Hell, I’d be happy with a forfeit!